News

Treating Cuts & Scrapes

Date: 08/13/2012

Like any child, those with ichthyosis are likely to get occasional cuts and scrapes. Unlike other children, however, children with ichthyosis may require uncommon treatments for otherwise common occurrences. Consultation with the child’s parents and, if possible, the physician, should guide treatment for common incidents. Following are a few general guidelines.

Normal Band-Aids may not work well on children with ichthyosis. Either they fail to adhere well to skin that is lubricated with topical moisturizers, or they may adhere too well and cause significant tearing of the skin when removed. When bandaging is necessary, place a non-adherent sterile dressing over the wound, wrap the entire limb or trunk with a nonstick gauze and use surgical tape to secure the bandaging (i.e., tape on bandage, not on skin)

If your child has epidermolytic ichthyosis, (formerly epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EHK), in which the skin is particularly fragile and blistering is common, consult with the child’s physician for guidelines on treatment and preventive measures.

This information is provided as a service to patients and parents of patients who have ichthyosis. It is not intended to supplement appropriate medical care, but instead to complement that care with guidance in practical issues facing patients and parents. Neither the Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc., Board of Directors, Publications Review Committee, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, nor Foundation staff and officials endorse any treatments or products reported here. All issues pertaining to the care and treatment of patients with ichthyosis should be discussed with a dermatologist experienced in the treatment of this complex disease.